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Stanwell Park

After a winding drive down Lawrence Hargrave Drive, which is named after Australia’s aviation pioneer who lived in the area during the late 1800s, you will be enchanted by the beautiful village of Stanwell Park.
Stanwell Park was historically known as “Little Bulli”, an Aboriginal name. The word “Bulli”, meaning “two mountains”, described the mountains on either side of Stanwell Park. Settlers first moved into the area in the early 1820s.
As well as a spectacular beach there are many other attractions for the visitor.
At the bottom of Bald Hill, turn left opposite the old service station and you will come to the 111 Lawrence Hargrave Drive complex, home to Articles Fine Art Gallery (ph 4294 2491), owned by local artist John Vander and his wife, Frances and open Friday to Sunday.
Here you will see a wide selection of John’s popular work, much of it reflecting local themes and scenes, plus that of other Australian luminaries including David Boyd and David Brayshaw.
To find Stanwell Park Reserve, retrace your steps to the General Store and turn right down the hill.
Just around the corner on the right hand side on Station Street is the Essential Surf & Skate shop for all your surf and skate needs (ph 4294 4838) and inside you’ll also find Essential Surf School running surfing lessons for the keen-to-be surfers (ph 0407 283 117).
At the bottom of Station Street is a magnificent park featuring a children’s playground and bike track, barbeque and picnic facilities.
This is also the spot where the hanggliders land, which is an ever popular spectacle for young and old alike.
Beyond the reserve is stunning Stanwell Park beach, which is patrolled and is a great spot for both surfers and swimmers.
If you want to stay overnight in Stanwell Park, Fernleigh Cottage B&B (ph 4294 1991) is self-contained and sleeps up to seven people. A continental breakfast is supplied.
On the top of the mountain overlooking Stanwell Park is Stanwell Tops and Bald Hill.
There you can witness the paragliders and hanggliders taking off.
If you want to give it a go call Warren Windsports (ph 0434 222 111) or Sydney Paragliding (ph 0408 864 083).
For a great place to stay in Stanwell Tops, try Wagon Wheels Country Resort (ph 4294 2449), an 1895 Australian country homestead that is enclosed on three sides by the Royal National Park, close to Stanwell Park Beach and only four minutes’ walk from Kelly Falls. Enjoy peace and shade or a swim in the pool in summer and in winter relax in front of a log fire.